Manchester, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Chapter 214 of the Manchester Code of Ordinances, adopted by the Board of Directors on January 2, 2018, requires a permit to operate a massage therapy establishment before anyone may open one in Town, per Section 214-5.A. Applications go to the Director of Health in writing, signed and sworn, and must list each applicant's name and address, confirm the applicant is at least 18, describe the proposed place of business, and attach photocopies of each practitioner's Connecticut Department of Public Health massage therapy license and driver's license or other photo ID.

The application fee is $100 under Section 214-5.C, and renewal costs $35 annually under Section 214-7. A permit issues only after the Director of Health finds the establishment will comply with the article's operating requirements and with all other state and Town health, zoning, building, fire and safety codes, and it is valid for one year unless revoked or suspended. Permits are non-transferable under Section 214-8. Separately, Section 214-6 requires every practicing massage therapist, wherever the massage occurs, to hold a Connecticut Department of Public Health massage therapy license.

Section 214-9 sets minimum facility standards: designated private treatment rooms, adequate toilet and handwashing facilities, and clean tubs, steam baths and showers. Section 214-10 requires clean laundered linens changed after each use, no smoking on the premises, and disinfection of all equipment before and after use.